From O’Shea Jackson Jr.’s acting break to Darrell Jackson’s music ties, Ice Cube’s children share a family legacy—while Kareema and Shareef keep a quieter presence. Here’s what’s known about all his kids and the parenting story Ice Cube has shared over the yea
Ice Cube’s life has always played out in spotlight and rhythm—first with N.W.A, then as a solo force with major hits and a long run of movies. But behind the fame, there’s a family story that starts at the same address: Ice Cube and Kimberly Woodruff’s home.
The 57-year-old rapper—born O’Shea Jackson—first surged into global attention in the group N.W.A alongside Eazy-E and Dr. Dre after they released their 1998 album Straight Outta Compton. His solo career followed with songs like 1992’s “It Was A Good Day” and 1993’s “You Know How We Do It. ” plus five platinum albums and one platinum EP. And on screen. he’s built an enduring film resume with Boyz n the Hood. Friday. Barbershop. 21 Jump Street and Ride Along.
All of it has unfolded with his wife, Kim Woodruff, beside him since they tied the knot in 1992. Together, they’ve welcomed four children—O’Shea, Darrell, Kareema, and Shareef.
O’Shea Jackson Jr. The eldest is O’Shea Jackson Jr., born in 1991, the year before his parents officially married. He followed his father into performance, working as an actor and rapper under the name OMG. Among his most notable acting roles are 2022’s Obi-Wan Kenobi mini-series. 2019’s Just Mercy. and 2019’s Godzilla: King of the Monsters. He also portrayed his father in the 2015 NWA biopic Straight Outta Compton.
Ice Cube has spoken warmly about that path. In a 2015 interview with Good Morning America, he said, “I’m very proud.” Continuing, he added, “You’re just happy when your kids step up, and I’m so proud of him.”
O’Shea Jackson Jr. also made Ice Cube and Kim grandparents when his daughter was born in 2017. And in 2019, O’Shea told Ellen DeGeneres about the parenting advice Ice Cube shared with him. “His advice is always you know just to always tell the truth,” he said on her talk show. He also recalled a second lesson: “always plan out your naps. ” explaining that sleep can be hard to come by once there’s a little one.
Darrell Jackson
Darrell Jackson is the second child of Kim and Ice Cube, born in 1992—the same year his parents got married. Like his father and older brother, Darrell is a rapper and performs under the moniker Doughboy.
Music runs in the family in more direct ways too. Darrell teamed up with Ice Cube and O’Shea on the song “Ya’ll Know How I Am,” released in 2010. He’s also linked to the business side of the sound: according to his Instagram. he works at Lench Mob Records. a sublabel of Universal Music Group founded by Ice Cube.
Kareema Jackson
Kareema Jackson is the third child and only daughter of Ice Cube and Kim. She was born in 1994, and very little else is known about her. Unlike her older siblings. she has chosen a quieter life away from the spotlight. though she has been seen on the red carpet with her father “a handful of times over the years.”.
Shareef Jackson
Shareef Jackson is Ice Cube and Kim’s fourth and final child, born in 1995. Like Kareema, he has remained out of the limelight. What does come through is his personal interest: he’s been spotted wearing NBA apparel, suggesting a serious love of basketball.
That steady theme—presence, guidance, and responsibility—shows up even in how Ice Cube has described becoming a father. He once told Access Hollywood that becoming a father changed him “from a boy into a man,” framing parenting not as an afterthought, but as a turning point.
In a family where the public can meet the work, and where some children stay quieter, the through-line is clear: whatever path each of Ice Cube’s kids has taken—actor, rapper, or low-profile presence—they’re all part of the same story that started long before the cameras ever rolled.
Ice Cube children O’Shea Jackson Jr. Darrell Jackson Kareema Jackson Shareef Jackson OMG Doughboy Straight Outta Compton Obi-Wan Kenobi Just Mercy Godzilla: King of the Monsters Lench Mob Records